I am totally new to the offshore world as far as owning a boat. Have a cottage on Lake Michigan and have driven a 38 top gun once. Thats about it. Anyways I am looking at older 28ss and bullets. Can you give a newbie any insight as far as what to expct with each?? Most of the boating will be on Lake Michigan but we want to trailer to a few inland lakes up north like torch, mullet, higgins, ect. We may even throw a tube out and let the kids ride on that once in a while???? what woud be a better choice 28ss or bullet. Both boats are fully rerigged and ready to go. What do you think???

Tough comparison.

They are very different in their characteristics. One thing they have in common is strength. Either will take the rough stuff with ease.

I think you will be happy with either. There are tons of updated Bullets out there for the taking. You have to look a little harder to find a 28ss that has been properly updated.

What are the diffrences in characteristics as that is what I am most interested in. Thanks,

The Bullet was built years after the 28 was discontinued, so it's a little more modern.

The Bullet is taller and heavier than the 28. In rougher water this can come in handy on a straight bottom.

The Bullet is going to have more cabin features than the 28. The 28's weren't designed for a real "pleasure" config. They have a place to lay down and thats about it. They were meant to run.

I still feel that the two cannot be compared fairly. Also, the Bullet was quite different than most of Cigarettes' core designs.

One big differance is average cost to purchase! 28's are $15,000 to $35,000, some higher , some lower. Tack another 30k on those numbers and your in the bullets neighborhood.

A lot depends on what you can tolerate. If you want to spend time with the wife and kids look for a bullet that has had new power and new guages. Try to find a cig that has had the work already done. It is real easy to get upside down in a boat that needs work. One thing you will find on the bullet or the 28ss is the resale value is excellent.

First thing is how much do you want to spend? Second is what do you want to do with it. If your looking for a day boat then the 28 is great. However, If your looking for something to spend more time on and stay over weekends on then the bullet is your choice. Both are great boats and I would love to own either one.

very good advice above.

the bullet will give you a better ride in rough water and keep you and your passengers drier. It has more freeboard and more cabin space. the engine comparment is more accessable than the 28 regardless of power options. the resale on the bullet will also be better.

the downside(if there really is one ) is that you will pay more for the bullet and although it is trailerable, the 28 is just a tad bit easier to move around.

both are great choices and the bottom line probably will be how much you want to spend and what amenites you are looking for.

good luck with yous search!

Right now I have my eyes on the 1990 bullet for $70K in the classifieds. It has been updated and "sounds" like it was done right. I have yet to take a look at it. Does $70K seem like a decent price???

I havent looked at any boats but the wife and I are compiling a shopping list.

Theres also a 1985 cafe with blown 454's, Speedmaster #3's for $49K.

Both of these boats are within a few hours so I will have to check them out.

Without knowing the condition, what do you guys think??

Were cafes made in 1985?